The swimming training for Olympic triathletes in Paris, scheduled for Sunday, has been cancelled due to pollution in the River Seine. A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon revealed that recent water quality tests showed the Seine’s condition fell below acceptable standards.

Although the river was deemed clean enough for swimming after tests in July, heavy rain over the past 48 hours in the French capital has led to a decline in water quality.

“The priority is the health of the athletes,” the statement emphasized. “The tests carried out in the Seine [on Saturday] revealed water quality levels that, in the view of the international federation, World Triathlon, did not provide sufficient guarantees to allow the event to be held.”

Despite the current situation, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon expressed confidence that the water quality would improve before the triathlon competitions scheduled for July 30. Significant rainfall can cause untreated sewage to enter the river, but the statement noted, “As observed in July, with summer conditions (more sunshine, higher temperatures, prolonged absence of rain) water quality in the Seine has improved significantly.”

If the water quality does not meet the required standard on race day, contingency plans include rescheduling the triathlon events to August 1 or 2. Should conditions remain unsuitable, the swimming portion of the triathlon will be omitted, transforming the event into a duathlon.

Additionally, the open water swimming could be relocated to Vaires-sur-Marne, on the Marne River east of Paris, if necessary.

The swimming leg of the triathlon familiarization had been set for 07:00 BST, but only the bike and running training went ahead as planned.